Three separate takes examine how the Red Wings' players and coaches are trying to manage the team's chaotic offseason involving the GM search, Larkin's trade request, and Edvinsson contract issues.
Larkin Out, Chaos Persists as Wings Open Season
October 2, 2026 · ← Back to rollups
The Detroit Red Wings open their 2026-27 season tonight against the New York Rangers with significant uncertainty clouding the franchise. Dylan Larkin will miss at least the first two games due to injury Detroit News — Red Wings (via Google News), a blow to a team already dealing with the fallout from a chaotic offseason marked by the messy GM search, Larkin's trade request, and bungled contract negotiations with Simon Edvinsson The Malik Report. Coach Todd McLellan is keeping things straightforward, telling his team that "if you're in a Red Wing jersey, then you're playing" The Malik Report, and players like Alex DeBrincat are trying to stay focused on the task at hand despite the organizational turmoil.
The Red Wings have a favorable early schedule with 7 of their first 8 games at home, giving them a chance to build momentum despite the distractions. However, the broader picture remains troubling—the franchise's leadership has faced criticism for delayed decision-making that allowed problems to cascade throughout the offseason u/sanskritsquirel, and observers note it's difficult to understand how such a storied organization reached this point. As the season begins, the team must navigate not just the Rangers but also the lingering questions about player satisfaction, front office direction, and ownership commitment that have defined the preseason narrative.
Articles
Coach McLellan keeps the message simple—play hard and you'll get ice time—as the Wings prepare for their home opener against the Rangers.
Dylan Larkin will miss the first two games of the season due to injury, with hopes he could return for the third game.
From the community
Insider David Pagnotta reports that Simon Edvinsson's frustration is building over contract negotiations, with tensions escalating between player and team.
A fan breaks down Max Bultman's analysis of how delayed decision-making by Red Wings leadership created a domino effect of problems throughout the offseason.
Coach Todd McLellan confirms Dylan Larkin is out for the first two games and is working with trainers on his return timeline.